I’m again for the third, and ultimate set up of the Iczer sequence. This after all being 1995’s Iczer-Lady Iczelion, or much less word-y Iczelion. Contemplating that I, fairly frankly, merely adore each Iczer-1, and Iczer-3, I used to be ecstatic to know there was a 3rd and ultimate installment to place a neat little bow on this sequence.
Solely to see, metaphorical, stickers all over the place that Iczelion was a big shift within the Iczer trajectory. It was actually put in each single description, from Anilist, MAL, even the less-then-legal website I watched it on. I in all probability ought to have heeded that warning a bit bit extra earlier than watching as a result of, I used to be barely disillusioned within the end result.
So my warning for people who stumble throughout this publish is: Deal with Iczelion as a totally totally different franchise, simply borrowing some Iczer lore loosely and the title. Regardless, I do want to clarify what’s getting into Iczelion, earlier than I assessment it.
In Iczelion, the villians of the universe inflicting loss of life and destruction wherever their curiosity takes them, are appropreiately named Cross, and Chaos. A heroine of a doomed planet informs them that Iczelions, a fusion of younger women and Iczels – sentient physique armor, will at all times prevail and defend the planet they inhabit. Thus, Cross and Chaos set their sights on Earth subsequent. We then meet our earthling protagonist, Nagisa a typical highschool woman who occurs to aspire to be a feminine pro-wrestler. Iczel approuches her, fusing together with her in a time of panic they usually handle to attain a fortunate win! However Nagisa is much less then captivated with changing into an Iczelion for actual.
This sequence is billed as a two episode OVA, nevertheless it feels approach nearer to a pilot episode, with each episodes’ content material. Taking as a lot as I can into consideration, and even with a constructive bias, Iczelion is simply too underneath developed to be something extra then that. I noticed somebody stated it felt prefer it had been shopped round, picked up and given funds to, then cancelled slightly shortly resulting from poor viewers response, or one thing. I actually don’t disagree with that idea both.
I’ll say that Iczelion has some naked bones concepts which can be good. I actually didn’t thoughts the concept that Iczer’s as a race, developed expertise so any planet might create an Iczelion, as long as the Iczel can cost with them. That’s simply far more sensible then sending out an Iczer each time a planet wants saving. I really like the thought of sentient armor as a comparatively distinctive idea. Somewhat too ecchi in execution right here, however I’ll forgive it because it’s an Iczer signature of kinds. Having a number of Iczelion’s per planet with totally different personalities, skills, and many others is fairly cool too to see them actually work together with each other, particularly exterior of battles.
Sadly, Iczelion simply actually fumbled the bag with all of that. For one, not a fan that one other Nagisa is launched. She’s additionally the least likable model of Nagisa thus far on high of it. It’s a brand new chapter for the franchise, decide a brand new heroine – you had three others developed, Nami, Kiro, and Kawai. Put certainly one of them entrance and heart and have Nagisa be a enjoyable little easter egg sort of deal.
The subsequent huge flaw was the voice performing performances right here. I’m undecided if it was a casting subject, I’m merely not that knowledgable about VA generally, or in studio course points. Both approach you slice it, these performances have been dangerous. Kiro’s voice actress nailed the accent they needed, however her voice was grating to take heed to between the accent and pitch. Iczel’s voice was period applicable for a robotic character, nevertheless it simply didn’t age effectively in any respect. It was arduous to grasp what was being stated even with subtitles at occasions. Kawai’s VA should’ve been a ache to document with as a result of her voice was barely audible at occasions even with no music or ambient noise to get in the best way. Shiratori Yuri might need been Nagisa’s VA in Iczer-3, however god right here in Iczelion she was practically unrecognizable in a nasty approach.
I don’t wish to rag on the damaging’s an excessive amount of, as a result of Iczelion does have some good choices as effectively. Toshiki Hirano’s designs are to die for, being consistant from the start to the top of this franchise. Cross and Chaos are clearly homage’s to Massive Gold/Neos Gold with out outright being copies. I do love the Iczelion costuming as soon as they cost as a result of they’re simply so cool.
The music this time round actually was a step up. I seen much more key second instrumentations that have been including in to construct up scenes extra. These have been far more delicate within the first two entries, however this time round they have been a very sturdy addition. Similar with all the opposite sound design parts used within the the episodes.
The ultimate huge bonus, and possibly the strongest promoting factors for Iczelion is that the fights are nonetheless dangerous ass. We get some actually good, actually OP-seeming fights with Cross to begin out which was simply actually enjoyable. Nagisa’s pro-wrestling battle was goofy however on model. I beloved what we noticed of Nami, Kawai, and Kiro’s battles. There was a lot potential there! I want we had gotten extra in that regard, however given it’s a two 30-ish minute OVA it’s about at peak magical-girl meets mecha we will get right here.
All that being stated. Until you possibly can really, madly, deeply take Iczelion as a totally seperate entity to the Iczer sequence – don’t hassle. It’s really an excellent underneath developed idea that has extra faults then positives right here. Or except you’re a glutton for something Iczer associated like me.
